This archive report was first published on 11 November 2021.
Kenya's Oldest Tree on Brink of Death After Arson Attack ¶
Located in the Imenti forest, about five kilometers from Meru town, the giant Meru oak tree, known as King Muuru, has stood tall for over 350 years.
However, its life is now hanging by a thread after an arsonist set fire to its hollow pith on Sunday, scorching the entire trunk.
Conservationists are calling for a thorough investigation into the attack, which has dealt a major blow to cultural and ecological conservation efforts.
King Muuru, which earned its name from its age, towering height, and huge trunk, has a base diameter of 2.7 meters and takes seven adults joining hands in a circle to hug it.
Before its top broke off due to old age last year, the tree stood about 50 meters tall, making it the king of the forest.
"We are still investigating who was behind the arson attack on the most visited tree in the Mt Kenya ecosystem," said John Njoroge, the Meru Ecosystem Conservator.
"The fire caused extensive damage to the tree, which is already affected by old age. It's unfortunate that the attack happened after we gave a special users license for an ecotourism facility around the tree," he added.
The Kenya Forest Service and the Community Forest Association have intensified patrols in the forest following the arson attack.
"The CFA will be required to place a guard at the site. We will be calling in experts to assess the tree and advise how we can reinforce it because it is a heritage for the people of Meru," said Mr. Njoroge.
